The annual holiday gift fair presented by BikePortland.org took over Velo Cult this past weekend, offering gift ideas from local artists, designers, and manufacturers.

BikeCraft PDX, the annual cycling holiday gift fair presented by BikePortland.org, took over bike shop and bar hybrid Velo Cult this past weekend. Window shoppers and serious gifters alike avoided the holiday weekend retail lunacy by ducking inside the warm and cozy Northeast Portland shop to view the wares of local artists, designers, and manufacturers. Attendees sipped beer from Velo Cult’s taps while browsing through a range of locally-sourced gifts for the bicycle enthusiasts on their lists, ranging from the gimmicky to the practical.

The crafty offerings at this years bazaar included everything from bike-themed jewelry to a menorah made out of recycled parts. An enormous octopus sculpture fashioned from old tubes and tires loomed particularly large over one section of the crowded room. The rubber sea creature was the handiwork of Rebicyclist, the one-man operation of Julien Jaborska, whose display included belts, buckles, and keychains of similarly repurposed origin.

If you have a serious commuter to shop for, then the panniers on display from North St. might be just the ticket. They quickly convert into a backpack, making them easily portable after you’ve locked your bike, and they’re remarkably lightweight and comfortable despite their rigid structure.

The gorgeous handmade leather bike accessories from Walnut Studiolo were a highlight of the fair. Many of designer Geoffrey Franklin’s products on display were also beverage-appropriate for the venue: Walnut offers a line of accessories—such as wood and leather six-pack holders that strap onto a bicycle frame—that perfectly pairs two of Portland’s most celebrated obsessions, beer and cycling.

This year’s BikeCraft bazaar made for an enjoyable afternoon of drinking beer and revelling in the multitude of locally-made gifts out there for the both the dedicated and casual two-wheelers among us, and next year’s edition is sure to be no different.

File Under:

RELATED CONTENT

Please help us keep this community civil. We retain the right to remove or edit comments containing personal attacks or excessive profanity, and comments unrelated to the editorial content. Consult our Terms of Use for more details.